San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
SONG OF THE MOMENT
Courtney Barnett, “Before You Gotta Go” (Mom+Pop):
The latest single from the Aussie indie rocker’s upcoming album flashes more of the delightful, matter-of-fact lyricism she’s known for. Over a jangly guitar, she sings to her lover about the often trivial minutiae of day-to-day relationships with a tongue-incheek suggestion: “Don’t you know I’m not your enemy, maybe let’s cut out caffeine.”
Co-produced with Warpaint’s Stella Mozgowa, “Before You Gotta Go” builds into a comfortably propelling tune that’s as ear-catching as it is relatable.
Barnett’s upcoming album is called “Things Take Time, Take Time,” and it’s scheduled for a Nov. 12 release.
LOCALLY MINDED
is the project of one of the Bay Area’s brightest budding songwriters, San Francisco’s Chloe Zelma Studebaker. “The Best” marks her third EP release in as many years, and it sees her flourishing on songs like the sweeping “You’re Now” and the affecting psychedelia of “Sea of Diamonds.”
Recorded at Panoramic House studio in Stinson Beach, the songs hark back to the dreaminess of San Francisco’s flower child era across gently enacted guitars and synths. The album plots the growth and self-discovery that Studebaker found when overcoming lengthy periods of grief.
“I spent a lot of this year learning to trust myself and embrace new chapters,” she said in a statement. “The theme of moving forward and accepting change is very present throughout this record.”
Her grateful intent is felt all over, especially in her gripping, hushed vocals on “Gift Horse.” Give this one a spin.
Los Rakas featuring Stylolive, Clayton William, Blacka Di Danca and Abrina, “Punani” (Succo Sounds):
Led by Grammynominated Oakland (by way of Panama) duo Los Rakas, “Punani” is a bilingual reggaeton banger that brings together a collection of multicultural super talents.
Produced by longtime Los Rakas collaborator Stylolive and San Jose’s Clayton William, the track features a thick, fast-paced Caribbean bounce that sits handsomely alongside tracks from today’s biggest Musica Latina stars like Anuel AA and J.Balvin. Dancehall vocalist Blacka di Danca and Los Angeles singer Abrina add tropical beachfront flair to a sexy song that’s made for summer booty shaking.